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Article by Kalpit Tandon

I am often intrigued by the fascination I can garnish for an interest of mine so abruptly, as if I am struck by a bolt of lightning.

That interest can be a particular genre of music to which I’m connected to, a poetry which I have written or any character driven novel which I relish. What is it in me that flaps its wings so vehemently, which gathers its strength so intensely, that my own will surrenders to its mighty power?

I see the world around me fading away into nothingness and I see, hear and breathe my fascination, my interest, my addiction. As if, I’m overpowered by the will of the ‘Creature’ living inside me.

I always thought of this entity as an Eagle. So omnipotent, so glorious in its vigour, that it outshines the light of my soul. The Eagle which erupts from the endless pit of my heart, engulfing my responsibilities and forcing me to kneel down in front of her, satiating her thirst, her desires.

I remember all those futile attempts I made to keep my focus on the cumbersome obligations of my monotonous life.

But that flaming, enormous bird clouds my vision and compels me to follow her path, the path to eternal wisdom. In the dead of night, she speaks to me, “As long as a being has no knowledge of his own soul, this world will remain oblivious to him, hidden by a mysterious veil. To attain enlightenment, one has to follow his heart and worship his dreams.”

The astounding realisation of passion which I accumulate for my interest gives me a profound satisfaction. ‘The sacred peace’, as some may call it. The gust from the wings of The Eagle drives away the turmoil in me and grant me solace.

She blesses me with Life. Now, I need to take leave. My Eagle is calling me. She wants to embrace me. The eternal unison waits. She wants to set me free. I need to go, for I am, in the end, My Eagle’s Slave.